Gut Liver.  2016 Sep;10(5):665-671. 10.5009/gnl15451.

The Role of Common Pharmaceutical Agents on the Prevention and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

• Amin S
• Boffetta P
• Lucas AL

• KMID: 2412062
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5009/gnl15451

Abstract

Survival from pancreatic cancer remains poor. Conventional treatment has resulted in only marginal improvements in survival compared with survival in the previous several decades. Thus, considerable interest has emerged regarding the potential use of common pharmaceutical agents as chemopreventative and chemotherapeutic options. Aspirin, metformin, statins, β-blockers, and bisphosphonates have biologically plausible mechanisms to inhibit pancreatic neoplasia, whereas dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors may promote it. Regardless, real-world epidemiological data remain inconclusive. This review examines the hypotheses, evidence, and current state of the literature for each of these medications and their potential roles in the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Keyword

Pancreas; Malignancy; Adenocarcinoma; Epidemiology; Aspirin; Metformin; Statins; Bisphosphonates; Beta-blockers; Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors

MeSH Terms

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use
Anticarcinogenic Agents/therapeutic use
Antineoplastic Agents/*therapeutic use
Aspirin/therapeutic use
Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Diphosphonates/therapeutic use
Drug Repositioning
Humans
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
Metformin/therapeutic use
Pancreatic Neoplasms/*drug therapy/*prevention & control
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
Anticarcinogenic Agents
Antineoplastic Agents
Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
Diphosphonates
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Hypoglycemic Agents
Metformin
Aspirin